“The most beautiful moments always seemed to accelerate and slip beyond one’s grasp just when you want to hold onto them for as long as possible.”

                   Here I am, February 19, 2015 celebrating another year of observing, learning, and growing. I’ve had my ups and my downs. I’ve gone through puberty at 25. My body continues to adjust. I’m adapting to my smile appearing larger in photos as my facial structure widens. I call this my awkward “maturing” phase, (similar to the one I had back in college). I celebrate the abundance of lessons bestowed upon me and the wisdom I’ve acquired. This year’s most important lesson is that visibility matters.

                   When I first began writing this blog, I intended to convey to friends and family why I needed to transition. I thought perhaps writing could provide insight as to what travels through the minds of people similar to me. I hoped those around me could learn a thing or two to ease the transition for all of us. I had no clue the blog could extent beyond my immediate social circle, and even compel others to think differently. I had no idea this blog could help so many other genderfluid people in their transitions. I did not expect my words to help others grasp onto concepts that may have previously been incomprehensible and enlighten strangers about transgender issues. I was naive to the idea that my words could prevent a trans* person from committing sucide or prevent another individual murdering from a transgender person.

         I am now cognizant of the power behind positive words and images to eradicate ignorance, deconstruct social norms, and generate positive ideas about trans*gender people. Visibility is extremely important.

When 6 trans* women of color (in the U.S.) are murdered in the first two months of the year…

<center> Visibility matters </c>

When journalist continue to dangerously cover these murders by using incorrect pronouns and gender…

                                             Visibility matters

When media pokes fun at transgender people in movies and on prime time television

                                              Visibility matters

When media continues to negatively focus on alleged transition(s) of celebrities…

                                              Visibility matters

When children or teenagers feel they must take their own lives because their families refuse to acknowledge their identity, abuse them, or constrain them with religious doctrines and other social stigmas….

                                                Visibility Matters.

             I will continue to write. I don’t know what depths of the universe my words may reach, but I do hope that they can better a soul, change a mind, or transform hate into love.

Today I celebrate another year of life, another year living as me, and another year of visibility. Nonetheless, today is not just a celebration for me nor it is a celebration of me. I celebrate the lives of black people. I celebrate the lives trans* people. I celebrate the lives of trans* women. I celebrate the lives of black, trans* women who change the world each day simply by breathing, living, and existing. Visibility shouldn’t have to come at the heels of another death or another murder. Everyday should can be a celebration for all trans* lives.

Devin

    “The most violent element in society is ignorance.” Emma Goldman